ALEast_Toronto Blue Jays

2014 Kansas City Gameday HQ

Toronto Blue Jays
5-YEAR SCORECARD
2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
WINS 74 73 81 77 87
RUNS PER GAME 4.39 4.41 4.58 4.66 4.92
RUNS ALLOWED PER GAME 4.66 4.83 4.69 4.49 4.75
OPENING-DAY PAYROLL (millions) $119 $83 $70 $78 $80
2014 STRENGTHS:
• Strong starting pitching
• Ability to create runs
2014 WEAKNESSES:
• Depleted farm system
• Defense is shaky in the outfield
Despite big expectations, the Toronto
Blue Jays limped to a 74-88 record last
season. Jose Bautista smacked 54 home
runs in 2010 and 43 in ’11 but dropped
to 27 in ’12 and 28 last season. For the
Blue Jays to take a step forward, they’ll
need more production from their power
hitter. The Blue Jays also face the tall
task of competing in the ultra-tough AL
East. There won’t be any easy divisional
games. If Bautista can find his old form
and R.A. Dickey can lead the pitching
staff, the Blue Jays have a shot. Yet
they’ll need everything to go right. And
that certainly is a lot to ask with so
many good teams in their division.
HITTING
The Blue Jays need another big season from
Bautista if they plan on contending. Just as
important is a breakout season from Jose Reyes.
He played in only 93 games last season because
of injuries. When healthy, Reyes is a key
component at the top of the Blue Jays’ lineup.
Reyes hit .296 with 10 home runs, 37 RBIs and
15 stolen bases. Put that production through a
full 162 games and you have a big-time leadoff
hitter. Edwin Encarnacion is also a wild card; if
he’s on track, it could give the Blue Jays a major
lift. Encarnacion had 144 hits in 142 games
last season. If you’re counting, that’s more than
one per game. The Blue Jays’ bench is suspect,
so for them to have success, the starting
lineup must produce.
JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES SPORT
Jose Bautista
AL EAST